Topic: How science factors into global climate policymaking

Capstone Instructor: Dr. Allison Chatrchyan

The Global Climate Change Science and Policy Course (EAS4443/5443/4441) focuses on how science factors into global policy making, including through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Students in the course work with partner organizations to assist them with climate change–related research projects and preparation for upcoming climate negotiations or meetings.

Students critically analyze contemporary climate change science and global environmental policy-making; articulate the main issues with global climate change from the viewpoints of different countries and people with diverse perspectives; and understand the barriers and opportunities to address the issues. The course enables Cornell students to participate in global, engaged learning projects and make vital contributions to the climate change work of developing countries and NGOs. The Global Climate Change Science and Policy course serves as a Capstone Course for juniors and seniors in the Environment & Sustainability major.

In 2022:

* After 2-3 years of collaboration and COVID, many of the partners didn't have the time to contribute to the class. The project design shifted and the new format was very successful (projects were more similar in content and easier to manage)

Students worked on developing research papers, working as a team to understand a complex issue that was going to be negotiated at the COP
- Interviewed officials
- Wrote policy briefs
Projects were tied to course content (real-life issues that negotiators were working on)
Class had a negotiation simulation (mock negotiations)
Students gave a report on their country NDC

From 2019 - 2021:

Students worked with partners (countries and NGO's who needed support)
- examples of partners: World Resources Institute, World Bank, Tonga
Projects varied significantly from one another, depending on the needs of the partner